Past Kelly Johnson-Eilola Award Recipients

An excerpt from Jim’s award nomination application:

“At [Cerebral Palsy Association] of the North Country, Jim Williams is a Home Service Director in Canton. He assists people with disabilities in accessing the programs and services necessary to be as independent as possible and to ensure that they have a safe and comfortable home environment. He is also an educator in the Kids on the Block Program, where he uses puppets to educate young people about individuals with disabilities. Williams is also the creator and coordinator of the North Country Recreation Program, which he started to give people with disabilities the opportunity to enjoy outdoor activities that they may not have been able to access otherwise. 

At the Unitarian Universalist Church in Canton, Jim has stepped into the role of organizing and implementing the Our Whole Lives (OWL) program which was Kelly Johnson-Eilola’s role until her untimely death. Jim has a passion for teaching age appropriate sexual [health] education. He works tirelessly to make sure the church’s OWL program is a success by working with other trained educators to offer this comprehensive, lifespan sexuality education curricula which dismantles stereotypes and assumptions, builds self-acceptance and self-esteem, fosters healthy relationships, improves decision making, and has the potential to save lives. Through his work and his volunteer efforts, Jim is a champion for youth in our county.”